Nathan Allen and Patina Marie were born healthy and lively on the 14th February 1881. Drake was enthralled by the twins, wanting to carry them about the house. To say Theo was thrilled over his grandchildren was an understatement. Mary and Henry were as proud as any grandparent ever were. Patina looked like Rachel had when she was a baby and Nathan was darker, closer to his grandmother Patina’s hue. Both children had dark brown eyes and soft wavy hair. They were beautiful and sweet and Mary couldn’t get enough of them. She and Ida spend hours playing with them, Alex curiously watching his cousins. He rocked back and forth on a quilt, babbling merrily.
Drake was hard-pressed to leave his children when spring planting came. But everyone was needed. Drake had taken over the farm for his father. He had hired several young men to help, and had put them up in the bachelor quarters. Lil Theo had taken over Tall Tom’s job, taking on more responsibilities. Henry and Mary were proud of their youngest. He was growing into hardworking and responsible young man.
Mary Beth was expecting again and was due in October. Victor moved back to the Anderson farm permanently. Theo let him take over an out building to start his own furniture business. Victor was gaining a name for fine furniture. He received orders from as far away as New York. With his growing family, he wanted to be closer to home. Theo allotted him five acres of land and with the men’s help, they built a house for Victor and Mary Beth.
Sadness fell over the house once more, Cookie died in her sleep, in late May. Mary was heartbroken once more; she had loved the woman dearly. Mary Beth took over as head cook and Pearl Miller was hired as her assistant. With Mary Beth’s ever-growing girth, Pearl took on more kitchen responsibilities.
The rhythm of the farm once again flowed smoothly. Mary kept the house with Ida’s help. They kept the children while Mary Beth was busy in the kitchen. Alex had started walking and was a handful, running naked about the yard, chasing chickens. There were several chickens devoid of tail feathers, their beady eyes watching Alex wearily.
Joshua had been offered a teaching position in Savannah in the summer of 1881. He went to Theo and asked for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Joshua and Rachel were married in Savannah, in September, 1881. It was a small wedding, the immediate family in attendance. Ida stood beside Rachel as her matron of honor. Theo gave her away, while Mary cried softly at the beautiful girl. The reverend looked on nervously, it was an unusual family gathering.
Calvin was welcomed into the world on October 8th 1881, his lively yowl rang out in Victor’s new home. Drake was with Victor in the work shed when new came of the birth. It had been a quick birth, much to Mary Beth’s relief. Alex wasn’t sure what to make of his new brother and hung on to his Granny Mary’s skirts. Grandma Ellen took the new baby, grinning broadly at Mary. Another healthy baby, they were truly blessed.
With the new year came wonderful news, Ida was expecting once more. Drake had turned pale at the news and shot a dirty look to his father, when Theo had laughed at his son. He still hadn’t lived it down when he had fainted at Patina Marie’s birth. Victor ribbed him unmercifully. The house was full of laughter and children, Mary wished her mother were there to see it all. From humble beginnings, Mary and her family had thrived and grown, through the trials and tribulations of life. Theo seemed to enjoy all the noise, the haunted look that was ever present, had gone from his eyes, replaced with joy of family. Mary knew the house hadn’t seen such laughter and happiness for a long time.
Lil Theo was in his element, he loved the farm as much as Drake, loving the warm loamy soil in his large hands. He had surpassed his older brother and father in height. He had taken after his paternal grandfather, whom he had never met, Big John Grover. He stood an impressive six foot seven. Lil Theo had an easy smile and was putty in his mother’s hands. He was her baby and let her pet on him, ignoring his brother’s teasing. Lil Theo simply smiled and enjoyed his mother’s love. He was a devoted uncle, playing with the children. He and Drake had become close, their love of the land a shared kinship.
Mary noticed that Lil Theo’s eyes were straying to Pearl, the assistant cook. She shook her head, her baby would be finding his own way soon, because Pearl gave Lil Theo the come-hither look when she thought no one was looking. She was a petit round woman, her ample hips and breasts testified for her gift in the culinary arts. Good, thought Mary, Lil Theo had an appetite that out did Victor’s and Henry’s combined. Lil Theo was as massive as he was tall, Mary marveled that he had been so small at one time. He would always be her baby. When the whole family got together, the rafters shook in the main house.
In October, 1882, Ida gave birth to a daughter, Drake named her Sally May. He did much better with this birth, though he still paled when Ida’s screams shook the house. He didn’t go upstairs until Mary called him; he didn’t want a repeat of the last birth. His ego and his head couldn’t take the battering.
In October of 1883, news came from Savannah, Rachel gave Joshua healthy baby boy, Elliot Benton Clement. Theo went up to Savannah to meet his new grandson. He spent several weeks there
